Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro
Software review by: Diana F. Arsenault
Requirements For Full Functionality:
Windows XP Pentium 233Mhz, 128MB Ram or
Windows 2000 Professional – Pentium 133Mhz, 128MB Ram or
60MB hard disk space
CD-ROM Drive
PS/2 keyboard port or USB port
PS/2 mouse port or USB port
OR
Mac OS 10.1 -10.2X
30MB hard disk space
CD-ROM Drive
USB port
4 AA batteries (included)Microsoft has designed an excellent set of computer add-on tools with this wireless keyboard and mouse combo. Straight out of the box the design of the keyboard and mouse makes you anxious to try them out. The ergonomic comfort design of both the keyboard and mouse are very stylish in appearance. They definitely pass the “eye candy” test.
The wireless suite includes a CD with IntelliType Pro keyboard software and IntelliPoint mouse software. The software enables the unique features of the wireless devices and provides battery status. Included with the suite are 4 AA Energizer Batteries. Microsoft recommends this type of battery. Estimated battery life in this system is six months.
You have the choice of connecting the wireless transmitter to your computer via a single USB port or by using a regular PS/2 keyboard and a PS/2 mouse port. It is recommended that you position the wireless transmitter at least 8 inches away from the keyboard, mouse, monitor and large metal objects that might cause interference with the signal.
The keyboard has hotkeys for one touch access to your email program, your web browser’s homepage setting, instant messenger, my documents folder, my pictures folder, my music folder, calculator, log out and a sleep button. Plus one touch media access to play, pause, stop, mute, volume up, volume down, media launch, previous and next track.
The keyboard also has enhanced function key commands that you access by pushing an “F Lock” button on the keyboard. With the enhanced function keys turned on, you get one touch access to the following commands: help, undo, redo, new, open, close, reply, forward, send, spell, save and print.
This keyboard will certainly spoil you by drastically reducing the amount of time you spend reaching for the mouse to do the same things over and over again.
The ergonomic wireless mouse design is certainly an improvement over the common mouse design in many ways. It keeps your wrist in a more upright and correct alignment position. Then there are two groves on top for finger placement and it’s designed with a curve in the body. The design definitely makes it easier to hold onto the mouse and your hand is much more comfortable than on a normal mouse.
The mouse is even more impressive when you discover that it has five programmable buttons on it. The scroll wheel on the mouse can be pressed to switch between your open applications. The normal left and right click buttons are present and then you have two side buttons. The two side buttons allow you to move forward and backward in your internet browser. All five buttons can be programmed to do whatever you would like them to do.
The scroll wheel on the mouse has what is referred to as “tilt wheel technology”. Not only does it scroll forward and backwards but also side to side. You can scroll horizontally as well as vertically.
This wireless combo will save me a tremendous amount of time. Not only by reducing the number of clicks with the use of the hotkeys but also by the mouse’s scrolling capabilities and speed. A very nice addition to any computer system.
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, Washington 98052-6399
www.microsoft.com
Suggested Retail Price: $ 104.95 US
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